“There is a river flowing now very fast . . . Know the river has its destination.”
“Hopi Elder Speaks” Poem; excerpts; credited to Chief Dan Evehema; lived to 108 yrs old)

It all started with a casual click of the mouse. I was curious about what the Pass It On Network had to say in regards to Aging, so I began exploring their website. Astonished with what I found, I pondered the implications. It was clear: An organic, empowering, transforming Aging movement is now clearly present; it is flowing fast, deep, and worldwide. It is spirited by the passions, creativity, and innovations of diverse individuals and groups of Aging adults who are carrying a common vision larger than any individual or group. The age-old, limiting story of our life in the elder years is now undergoing a complete makeover. The multidimensional impact on older adults around the world and the evolution of humankind at large can only prove to be undeniably REAL and HUGE.

Before you think that I have fallen down a slippery slope in making such radical assertions, allow me to share with you what has transpired that laid the groundwork for me to speak these claims with such Soul certainty.

While exploring the Pass It On Network’s website I discovered:

1.] The statistics are clear. Never in the history of mankind have there been so many 60+ year-old citizens worldwide. We are the only growing age group. Our sheer numbers, along with economic turmoil and budget shortfalls, make it impossible for nations to scale up existing facilities and services to meet our demands. We need to be very aware that we have to fend for ourselves;

2.] A treasury of impressive resources, videos, programs, information, and tools depicting positive aging efforts worldwide;

3.] The names and photos of country liaisons in Argentina, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Austria, European Countries, Iceland, India, Russia, South Africa, USA, Switzerland, and France [and more to be added];

4.] Stories of seniors speaking out – being heard. For example, there were six thematic cafés, held in Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France, where more than 600 seniors showed they wanted to carry on playing a positive role in society; and

5.] So much more!!!

My Soul leaped with joy as I took in this expansive perspective of Aging and the work that the Pass It On Network (as a global exchange) is doing to empower Aging adults to connect with one another, embracing the message that:

We are the ones we have been waiting for. Now we are the elders, with practical wisdom learned from experience and needed by others. It’s time for us to share our strengths and help ourselves, each other, and our communities.

I was seeing a deeper cut of reality emerging: a world of Aging adults passionately seeking a new way of being old. Wanting to know more about ‘this happening,’ I signed up for the Pass It On Network Newsletter.

Several days later, to my utter surprise I received an email from Moira Allan, Co-Founder of the Pass It On Network, inviting me to connect with her via Skype or phone [landline]. Within days we were on a Skype call, she inquiring about Soul Alive Women and me inquiring about the Pass It On Network and the worldwide scene of Aging. The exchange was totally delightful, informative, powerfully enriching, and passion-filled. I learned [among many exciting things] that all Newsletter subscribers receive a similar invitation from Moira and she is very passionate about the opportunity to be in these global exchanges.

Filled to the brim with exuberant joy, I am thrilled to share with you this phenomenal news of monumental historical significance, news that foretells us that our present-day limiting images and expectations of what it means to be an Aging adult will be “a thing of the past” for future generations. I invite you to listen to my exciting interview with Moira Allan and Jan Hively, Co-Founders of the Pass It On Network; hear their empowering vision of Aging that is at the heart of their pioneering work.

The elders say we must let go of the shore – push off into the middle of the river,

keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.

See who is in there with you and celebrate.

     ~Chief Dan Evehema

Book Suggestions
Conscious Living, Conscious Aging: Embrace and Savor Your Next Chapter, by Ron Pevny

The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain, by Gene D. Cohen

Special Interview
Listen to Susan’s interview with Moira Allan and Jan Hively, Co-Founders of the Pass It On Network.